There’s a lot of talk about writers finding their niche and sticking to it.
That it is literary suicide for an author if they dare to veer away from the genre they have established for themselves.
That their beloved readers would be unable to make the switch and would throw their hands up in the air and not buy the book.
I know there are examples of this happening – John Grisham’s dared to pen The Painted House, outside of this legal thriller genre, and J.K. Rowling’s foray into crime fiction as Robert Galbraith, haven’t enjoyed the sales of their books in genres readers have come to love. Mind you, they have both gone on to write more books outside their perceived genre. As a reader, I find this any oddly insulting view – it hints at the fact that readers are narrow in the scope of their reading, are unwilling to accept change, would prefer the same kind of reading experience over and over again, and frankly, aren’t insightful enough to appreciate quality writing when they read it! Okay, so maybe I’m reading a little too much in all of this but I thought it was worth a discussion.
Maybe I’m faithful to an author rather than being faithful to a genre! Actually, I think what I love is excellent writing and I’m a fan of most genres so that’s what I look for.
I love that Travis Thrasher has written books in multiple genres, but he has said himself that people have told him it has held him back in his publishing journey – nearly 30 published books later across romance, thrillers, YA, contemporary, historical, non-fiction, mystery, and movie adaptations, I’d say readers love his writing!
Ronie Kendig pens military thrillers but when her YA fantasy novel releases next year, you can bet I’ll be first in line.
The latest winner of the RITA Award for inspirational romance, Carla Laureano, pens contemporary romance and under the name C.E. Laureano (both clearly stated on her website), is also writing YA fantasy.
Tamara Leigh launched her career writing medieval romance, jumped over to contemporary chick-lit style novels, and has dived back into medieval romance again. Trust me, her readers would follow her anywhere!
Then there’s the prolific Lisa T. Bergren, who, like Travis Thrasher, has written across many genres – historical romance, romantic suspense, women’s fiction, YA time travel, children’s picture books, and most recently, YA dystopian novels.
My final example of what I’m looking for in stories is Katherine Reay, another amazing writer whose debut novel has been a rip-roaring success from where I sit – she has the perfect combination of familiarity and uniqueness in Dear Mr. Knightley – the beauty of the classics with her main character Sam, hiding behind the quotes of Austen and Bronte, yet she was advised that her tale, written in an epistolary format, wouldn’t sell!
So, above all, I love innovation and new ideas when it comes to books, to cover art, to book promotion. So, I say to writers and publishers, please write and publish unique stories! There’s a whole lot of readers who love unique stories, who are looking for something out of the box, who don’t want the cookie cutter approach to genre, plots, characters, and words. Don’t let us down – we are here, crying out of exceptional, vibrantly unique storytelling. So, I’d love to hear from you, any of your thoughts on this topic, or simply an answer to this question:
Are you faithful to a genre, an author, or simply quality writing?
July 31, 2014 at 8:32 pm
Hmmm…great question. I’d like to think I’m a bit of all three, but I do tend to stick with my favorite genres. Unless I’m already familiar with the author, sometimes it’s bit hard for me to step out into other genre’s. That being said, some of my greatest experiences have occurred when I’ve done exactly that–plunged into a story (be that book, movie, TV show) that doesn’t fit my “usual” whatsoever. That’s not to say I haven’t experienced some big flops doing that too. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this and really making me think!
July 31, 2014 at 9:07 pm
Hey Eli – thanks for sharing 🙂 Made me smile big to see your name! I guess all change is scary, for readers and writers alike. What you say is true, though, of many things – “the greatest experiences” often occur when we take a leap into the unknown.
So, what about an author you love? Would you follow them into an unknown genre or a genre you don’t like much?
July 31, 2014 at 9:31 pm
Absolutely! I believe in giving new things a chance before formulating an opinion. How much more so with an author I love? After that first book in the unknown genre, I can always decide to stick with the genre in which I originally discovered him/her or I can be pleasantly surprised and find that my horizons have broadened a bit more.
July 31, 2014 at 9:15 pm
I like my favorite authors and I like certain genres. But what really blows me away is quality writing. If a book is well-written, it transcends genre. So, while I gravitate to certain shelves in the book store, what I really want is a novel that speaks to me, sings to me. Good question Rel, love this feature.
July 31, 2014 at 9:35 pm
Love this – “If a book is well-written, it transcends genre.” I completely agree, Beckie. Always love your thoughts 🙂
July 31, 2014 at 9:18 pm
BTW, I just finished C. J. Darlington’s Jupiter Winds — YA sci-fi. Not a genre that I would normally choose, but I liked her book Thicker Than Blood. It turns out that Jupiter Winds is one of the best books I have read this year.
July 31, 2014 at 9:36 pm
Adore CJ! That’s great to hear about her latest book.
July 31, 2014 at 9:50 pm
Thank you for the mention and encouragement, Rel. These past 20 years of medieval to chick-lit and back to medieval has been quite a ride. Despite some of its hair-pulling, nail-biting moments, I feel very blessed to still have my hands on the wheel 🙂
July 31, 2014 at 10:00 pm
Well, there are many of us who have enjoyed the ride with you, Tamara – probably enjoyed it more than you – LOL!
Do you think changing genres has been detrimental to your writing career at all? “Everyone” seems to say not to do it. Wondering what your perspective might be!
August 1, 2014 at 3:44 am
I’m grateful for the readers who have joined me on this journey, Rel, and I’m grateful for you. Has changing genres been detrimental to my writing career? It seemed that way when I left the general market and discovered the medieval setting was a no-no in the inspirational market. I was told I would have to write “something different” if I wanted to make the transition. Unfortunately, I was unable to bring most of my general market readers with me into the inspirational AND chick lit genre, meaning I lost my momentum. But I knew my decision to write inspirational stories was pleasing to God, and contemporary romances turned out to be a lovely change of pace. Now that I’m back in the middle ages, many of the readers of my contemporary romances have given my inspirational and “clean read” medievals a chance. From their feedback and the sales, changing genres hasn’t hurt me. I do hope to write more contemporaries in the future. Keep mixing it up, you know 🙂
August 1, 2014 at 6:37 am
Yes, keep mixing it up. I love your mid-evil books probably even more than your contemporary, but I would enjoy reading more contemporary books penned by you in the near future.
August 1, 2014 at 7:12 am
Thank you, Rebecca. We shall see 🙂
August 1, 2014 at 10:09 am
So appreciate you sharing your insights, Tammy. Lovely to hear your readers have followed you 🙂 I sure have!
July 31, 2014 at 10:44 pm
Rel, since I’m often on the other end of the writing experience, my time to read is limited. I read mainly in the genre of mysteries, thrillers, police procedurals, etc.–in other words, what I was reading before I started writing them. Although I’ll read a book in another genre if it’s really great, well over 90% of my choices come because of their genre, and of those, another 90% represent author loyalty.
See you on my blog tomorrow, by the way.
August 1, 2014 at 10:09 am
Thanks Richard – looking forward to it!
July 31, 2014 at 11:42 pm
I’m with Tamara, Rel, thanks for the encouragement and support. I’m at the beginning of all this as a writer, but I do agree that seeing a writer push and grow — whether it be outside the original genre or pushing new ideas and techniques within it — is wonderful to see. I have to admit, I get discouraged as a reader when I feel that the “contract” has been broken and I’m not getting the writer’s very best but something that has worked time and time again. Now, that said — it’s getting more rare. There is SOME AWESOME stuff out there and I haven’t picked up a bad novel in ages. 🙂
Thanks again!
August 1, 2014 at 10:11 am
Great thoughts, Katherine – thanks for sharing. I do wonder if it must be a little heartbreaking to an author who wants to stretch themselves creatively and are thwarted due to publishing/financial constraints and are pushed to keep writing the same formula.
August 1, 2014 at 10:52 am
Rel, that is such a good point and a reality. And what I’d say there is bring your “game” to each every novel — and then even staying the same genre will grow your audience. And so many writers do that. They just get better and better with each and every story and it’s thrilling to see what they bring to the page.
August 1, 2014 at 12:18 am
There has to be a spark of interest in subject matter to draw a reader into a book. I didn’t make the extra effort to read much for years because I was reading a genre that seemed to be pleasing everyone else. I read the best sellers by the top authors, but finally gave it up. The books all seemed the same to me. THEN, while recovering from surgery, I read what I wanted to read and discovered a few great authors who have led me on some pretty enjoyable adventures, some of which involved trying another genre. This reading business is pretty personal stuff, but the mix of favorite author, and genre works for me. It is understood that the quality of the writing, be it a tried-and-true author or a new one, enhances the ride.
August 1, 2014 at 10:14 am
Terrific thoughts, Judith — thank you. It is a strange thing when you feel like you’re the only one not “getting” the popular stories, or the ones everyone else seems to love. Reading is very personal, I agree, and that’s why there is variety but sometimes I think that popularity outweighs variety and we are forgetting it is the spice of life!! Sorry for the cliche!
August 1, 2014 at 1:03 am
Thanks for the encouragement, friend, as I wrap up another medieval time travel and dive back into dystopian. I do think my genre-hopping has hurt my career, financially. Most readers stick to a genre and don’t like to break out…but I’m not like most readers. I read all kinds of books, from literary to mind candy, and so to stick with writing the same kind of book, all the time, would stifle my creativity. So I’m not a rich author, but God provides enough, and I’m happy–and that counts for a lot. Love you!
August 1, 2014 at 10:16 am
Yes, I imagine it would have, Lisa. It seems to me that the authors with the really big sales hit on a formula and stick to it. It’s mind numbing for me, personally, and frustrates me that very talented writers (like yourself!) who get creative, extend themselves and their readers, aren’t rewarded in like fashion 🙁
I’m forever grateful you aren’t stifling your creativity – we would miss out on so much if you did! Bless you, Lisa xo
August 1, 2014 at 1:52 am
Rel, I’m a pretty eclectic reader too. I think there can be truth to people not following an author to a different genre and also a lot of untruth too. I’m not a sci-fi reader as a rule, so that would be one genre I’d have a hard time following an author to.
But if someone I knew and trusted said the new genre was worth the read, I’d be apt to try. Some readers really just want one thing–like contemporary romance–and that’s all they’ll read. But then a lot of readers like contemporary romance AND medievals. So we’ll follow Tamara, wherever she goes. I do believe that when a writer leaves a genre they do so well, they will lose some readers. But they’ll probably also gain new readers who love the new genre, so it all evens out.
Which means in the end, we agree! We both want unique story ideas. We want the stories that don’t exist yet in CBA, not more of the same old, same old.
August 1, 2014 at 7:15 am
Aw, thanks, Sally!
August 1, 2014 at 10:18 am
I think we agree on lots of things, Sally, even on the Sci-Fi front! Thanks for sharing – what you say is spot on 🙂
August 1, 2014 at 5:31 am
Hey Rel,
I think the heart of this is what draws a reader to read. I think it usually comes in two forms: story or writing. I am a story person first. That is why I read in genres first. I have my favorite writers within my genres, but I first look for the type of story I enjoy reading the most, which is historical then cozy mysteries (preferably those set in the past) or fantasy (which oftentimes has a historical feel similar to medieval). I will read writing that I consider a little less than others in my genre because the story is what matters to me most, by far. If I understand what you are saying, you prefer writing styles first. Therefore, you follow authors before genres. (I hope I expressed that right. I certainly don’t mean to put words in your mouth.) I think the same holds true in other forms of entertainment such as movies, tv programs, or plays. I certainly choose these for story as well so I tend to stick to certain types and genres. The vast majority of readers only have a certain amount of money to spend on books so they tend to stick to what draws them in, story or authors, usually a combination of both. My guess is there are more story readers than writing readers, thus the sales of genre fiction over others. This may show that some readers are what some would call “less sophisticated.” Again, I think it just goes back to tastes. I will say even in so-called great literature that is taught, there is much discussion among professors about what is good and what is not. In my department, some of us do not like Hemingway at all, including me, while others think he is great. I guess what I am trying to say here is that writing tends to be more subjective, with some loving some authors and some not. Genres tend to be more straightforward as to what is liked and what is not. As for the authors you mentioned, I think an author like Tamara Leigh will have a better chance at crossing genres because at the heart of many if not all of her stories is romance, whether contemporary, historical or time-travel. Some genres are harder to cross in that readers are more reluctant to go from romance to fantasy or mystery. Publishers control a lot of this as they only have so many dollars to spend on marketing and it is much easier to market a historical romance by Tracie Peterson than a fantasy novel by Tracie Peterson. A few authors are able to transcend this. Francine Rivers comes to my mind. Her readers follow her stories across genres successfully. Authors like the two secular authors you mentioned are able to try it because they have so much clout with their publishers or are such best-sellers that many publishers are willing to take the risk to get any novel by that author. While I agree with some that I want to see Christian fiction stretched into new areas, I will confess that I will look to a historical 99% of the time. (Although I would like see more straight historical over historical romance. 🙂 ) Sorry I rambled so much. Thanks for starting these discussions, Rel, and getting us to think about Christian fiction as a whole.
August 1, 2014 at 7:19 am
Well said! And you make a good point about being able to more easily cross genres when the heart of one’s story–in my case, romance–remains intact. Thank you!
August 1, 2014 at 2:43 pm
Thanks Tamara. I am still hoping for those historicals in book form someday…
August 1, 2014 at 10:17 pm
Me, too! Need more time 🙂
August 1, 2014 at 10:24 am
Hey Aaron – thanks for you thoughts. Always enjoy reading them. What you say about Tamara is very true – I think readers are more willing to cross over if there is a link of some sort between the stories a writer has written, in Tam’s case, romance.
I agree that books are costly and you don’t want to spend money on a book you are unlikely to enjoy if you are someone who loves a certain genre. And I get that! I’m not trying to infer that readers should not prefer a genre over another. As you say, book selection is very subjective and I love that we are free to choose.
I think my frustration lies in the reality that it is dollars that drives a lot of publishing choices and subsequently, writers and authors are often limited in what they write. I wish that wasn’t the case.I think we miss out because of that reality.
Hope that makes sense!
August 1, 2014 at 2:49 pm
No, Rel, I didn’t think that at all. I agree with you. I was just pointing out the two directions an ways of thinking I think readers have. Both are equally valid to me as they get people to read!!! And especially when it has a message like Christian fiction!!! As for the other, I was just trying to show, from my time in a bookstore and editing, what publishers are thinking. They really don’t mean to stifle any creativity. They just have to think about the business side, which is not always fun unfortunately. 🙂 I will add that while I have some issues with the ease of e-publishing today, like those who get no editorial help, it does afford authors who feel stifled creatively an avenue of getting the books of their hearts out “there” for the readers. That is a definite plus.
August 1, 2014 at 6:19 am
I think my favorite authors are just that because of the quality of their writing. I will always purchase a book by my favorite authors regardless of the genre and will generally try a new author in a favorite genre. So for me I think the three are somewhat intertwined.
August 1, 2014 at 10:25 am
Yes, I’m with you, Brittaney 🙂
August 1, 2014 at 6:39 am
What a fun post and topic! I’ll read pretty much anything Lisa Bergren writes, but I confess the genre-hopping has made me hesitate on one of my favorite authors. Normally that doesn’t bother me, but the other genre of this author holds no interest for me. Hadn’t really thought about that before.
And yes…I’ll be writing in two genres, and I hope both do well, but I’m writing spec/fantasy because I love it. But I also love suspense. So, it’s not so much to just change genres. At least mine will be definitively different, so as not to frustrate or surprise readers. 😛
August 1, 2014 at 10:29 am
You know I’m so delighted you are getting to write in another genre, Ronie, and you will do it justice, without question! As you know, I have my favourite genre, too, and ones I’m less likely to investigate 😉
Jolina Petersheim’s The Outcast is a example of me reading WAY outside of my genre choice for two reasons. Firstly, it was a re-telling of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter and there was no way I was turning that down, and secondly, people I respected recommended it highly. That’s good enough for me! And it was a very positive experience into a genre I generally avoid.
August 1, 2014 at 6:41 am
I tend to stick with genres, so (for example) while I’ve read all Susan May Warren’s contemporary romances and most of her romantic suspense novels, I haven’t yet read her historicals. I’ve found a couple of authors who switch genres and I prefer one over the other (e.g. I prefer Colleen Coble’s contemporaries to her historical novels, but prefer Lori Wick’s historicals).
However, I do read widely – I’m not so keen on Amish, fantasy or allegory, but will read pretty much anything else in the Christian fiction area.
August 1, 2014 at 10:30 am
Thanks, Iola, for sharing. Well, having read both Susie May’s contemporary and historicals, I have no hesitation recommending her historical novels. In fact, I think they exceeded the quality of one or two of her contemporaries of a few years back.
August 1, 2014 at 6:43 am
I think when I writer has talent and spends time creating a quality story, their readers will be willing to follow, even if it means trying something out of their favorite genres. Time travel was a new one for me, but when one of my favorite authors put out a time travel novel to mid-evil times, I took the plunge and thoroughly enjoyed it. And now I am looking forward to trying out a similar novel by Lisa T Bergren.
August 1, 2014 at 10:33 am
Good on you, Rebecca! One of the things I love about running a book club is introducing my members to books they would otherwise be unlikely to pick. In nearly all cases, they have been pleasantly surprised by how much they have enjoyed the stories.
Do I assume correctly that you are referring to Tamara’s Dreamspell as the book that made you leap into time-travel?! And by the way, you will love Lisa’s time travel books 🙂
August 1, 2014 at 11:31 am
Yes, although I have long been a Tamara Leigh fan, Dreamspell was my first time travel.
August 1, 2014 at 3:16 pm
I am loyal to authors and not just in the genre in which they normally write.
If I love an author, they’d have to seriously change their writing style to keep me from reading a new book (this has only happened a couple of times).
I read almost all genres anyway — so why wouldn’t I read a book an author I trust wrote?
Because the author stepped out of “their” genre?
I love it when authors I love try new genres… It is almost always a guarantee that I will enjoy the book while reading something other than just the usual suspects.
August 2, 2014 at 12:36 am
I would like to say all 3, though I think I’m more faithful to authors and quality writing. I have no problem with authors stretching their writing wings and trying something new and I can pretty much guarantee that if I’ve loved the author’s previous book, I will be checking out their newest book (unless it’s Amish – I don’t do Amish, at all). I know when Dee Henderson’s Full Disclosure came out, a lot of people were yelling because it wasn’t like her O’Malley series, but I’m a loyal fan and had it on preorder – and I loved it! I love following an author’s books and seeing how their writing has grown and changed. If every book they write is exactly the same as the last, I think there’s something wrong. Everyone changes: their situation changes, they grow in faith, or maybe they find a new interest. Authors are no different. Their writing should change and reflect who they are and where they are in life.
And I’m also a huge fan of Ronie’s so I will be checking out her new book, even though I tend to avoid fantasy – who knows, I may find a new love for it. 🙂
Thanks for an interesting discussion and a question that made me think. Hopefully this makes some sort of sense.
~Sarah
August 2, 2014 at 2:35 am
can I just write Katherine Reay’s name over and over again and draw little hearts around it?
August 2, 2014 at 8:24 am
Seems reasonable. 😉
August 2, 2014 at 5:03 am
Although I’m a huge fan of historical romance – – namely Tamara Leigh – – I will jump to a different genre if her name or stamp of approval is attached. I trust the writer – style, quality, research, details, depth of character – all of these ingredients makes the whole reading experience a joy! I know when I buy a Tamara Leigh book, I’m in for a “E” ticket ride – worth every penny. So if I trust her to plunge me into medieval England – why wouldn’t I trust her for time-travel or contemporary or any other genre – – the experience is going to be well worth buckling up and let her drive! If a writer has quality style – it’s going to be there no matter what genre she (he) writes. If I like her creme brulee – I’ll take a stab at her Beef Wellington too! Serve it up Tam – – I’m ready to eat!!
August 2, 2014 at 8:33 am
What an awesome question/blog entry, Rel.
You know, I will admit to being one of those readers who sticks to favorite genres. That being said, I’m all for creativity in the genres I love and even branching out when I book looks interesting. Plus, if I love an author, chances are, I’ll at least try whatever they write. I’m excited to try Ronie and Jody Hedlund’s YA series coming next year, and I am amazed by Susan May Warren (she writes every genre and each time, I’m reminded why a quality writer she is). Same goes for Katie Ganshert – if she ever publishes her YA series, I’d read it in a heartbeat.
Then there is Jenny B. Jones who writes contemporary but does YA contemporary as well as she does adult. 😉
Loved reading that trivia about Katherine’s novel. I was one who was skeptical when I saw its prose, but heavens! It was a beautiful story and one I’m going to enjoy revisiting.
I could probably type more examples, but… I won’t. 😀
August 2, 2014 at 9:02 am
You know this about me, Rel, but I would follow an author. For me, once an author has established themselves as someone who writes well genre is not the issue. The issue for me is that I’m going to enjoy the reading experience because I KNOW this author is going to do a great job no matter what.
I do not understand readers who refuse to move away from a particular genre. I’ve had my favourite genres over the years and that changes like seasons change…just what I happen to be really enjoying right now. But that never ever stops me from dipping my toes in to whatever else is around. It is nothing for me to go from Contemporary to Amish to Speculative to Suspense to Romance. And I love it all.
I know have a ridiculously eclectic approach to my reading preferences, and nothing is off the table. But I think that is the best way to be. It leaves me free to enjoy the very best from such a wide variety of amazing and talented authors. Each of the stories I pick up has something to teach me, some perspective I may not have considered, something that adds to my faith. Or challenges it. And I treasure the hearts that have been poured out onto the page so that I could have that privilege.
August 2, 2014 at 9:08 am
Wow, what great company to be in! It’s funny to think that for me, contemporary romance was actually the diversion: I’ve been writing fantasy for a lot longer. I actually never expected readers from one to follow me into the other, so I’m honored when someone will take a chance on the genre hop because they like my writing. The best thing to hear as a writer is, “I didn’t think I would like this genre, but I gave it a shot, and I really loved the book!”
August 2, 2014 at 9:10 am
By the way… I must like “different” too, because those other authors named are among my favorites!
August 3, 2014 at 4:57 am
When I know I love an author, I’m willing to try anything they write. I may or may not like it, but I’ll certainly try it! Also I do tend to stick to certain genre’s I know I like, but when a fellow reader recommends something different, or it simply catches my eye on goodreads, amazon, or in the bookstore, I’ll try it.
I have very few authors that I love every single book they’ve ever written, therefore I am willing to pick up a book that is different than their usual because I may just fall in love! Take for example, Deeann Gist. I tried several of hers and didn’t really like them. But It Happened At The Fair was published and I fell in love! It was just different enough from her others, and it worked for me somehow.
August 4, 2014 at 2:24 am
Not at all. I bounce quite a bit.